AS Kigali’s first-choice goalkeeper Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye remains optimistic his team can progress to the next stage of the CAF Confederation Cup as they face Proline in the first round’s return-leg at Lugogo Stadium on Saturday.

The Ugandan side held AS Kigali to a 1-1 draw two weeks ago in the first leg and now the latter need an outright win or draw of more than one goal to progress to the playoffs round.

The 2019 Peace Cup winners, AS Kigali, departed for Kampala on Wednesday abroad a Rwandair flight, and were due to hold training sessions on Thursday and Friday.

Ndayishimiye told Times Sport that the team has been working hard in training and tried to work on mistakes and weaknesses they noted in the first leg.

"All the players are ready to fight for a result that will see us through to the next round.”

"We have had enough preparations and we are in good spirit for the challenge in Kampala. We’re going there to win, and I believe it is very possible,” said the former Rayon Sports and APR stopper.

In the first leg, Bright Anukami put the visitors ahead early in the second half before Uganda-born Farouk Ssentogo equalised for AS Kigali from the spot in the dying minutes of the game.

In a separate interview, head coach Eric Nshimiyimana admitted to this publication that, "Proline offers a tricky test, and everything is possible. We will have to just focus on our game, and making the best of every chance we get.

We will fight until the very last second of the match.”

AS Kigali squad

Batte Shamiru, Eric Ndayishimiye, Latif Bishira, Michel Rusheshangoga, Shaffy Songayingabo, Christian Ishimwe, Jean-Paul Ahoyikuye, Rachid Kalisa, Eric Nsabimana, Tumaine Ntamuhanga, Ibrahim Nshimiyimana, Nova Bayama, Fiston Nkezingabo, Makom Nloga, Rick Martel Allonga, Patrick Essombe, Janvier Benedata, Bogarde Cyitegetse, and Farouk Ssentongo.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com